Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionA high-level UAE delegation concluded a five-day working visit to China on October 20, 2026. The mission focused on commercial partnerships in clean energy, battery storage, hydrogen, and electric mobility. Representatives also toured Shanghai Port's automated terminal to review smart logistics solutions.
Gulf crude exporters are expanding their market share in China as Iranian shipments fall, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa. Saudi crude shipments to Chinese ports are projected to exceed 2 million barrels per day in October 2026, with 75% allocated to Sinopec and PetroChina. Total Middle Eastern crude arrivals into China are expected to reach around 4.5 million barrels per day.
Middle Eastern sovereign funds invested US$14.2 billion in Hong Kong and mainland China during the first nine months of 2026, according to Global SWF. UAE funds ADIA and Mubadala contributed US$2.5 billion and US$800 million, respectively. The capital targeted sectors including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and consumer markets.
An analysis published by TechFlow clarifies that the absence of capital gains tax does not make cryptocurrency profits universally tax-exempt. In the UAE, qualifying personal investment gains remain exempt, but business activities with annual turnover exceeding AED 1 million enter the corporate tax net, where profits above AED 375,000 face a 9% rate. Globally, tax liabilities depend heavily on income classification between personal holdings and active commercial trading.
Emirates 24|7 reported on UAE legal regulations governing photography and videography in public and restricted spaces. Violations involving filming individuals without consent carry fines up to Dh500,000 and minimum six-month jail terms under cybercrime laws. Filming security, military, or government installations without permits can lead to fines of at least Dh100,000 and up to five years in prison.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
Iran's Foreign Investment Board has approved 42 foreign investment applications valued at $228 million across multiple economic sectors, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance. The approved capital includes funding from investors in China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, the United Kingdom, and other nations. Since March 21, 2026, the board has cleared 398 foreign investment projects totaling $3.2 billion.
A three-month international law enforcement crackdown led by the UAE Ministry of Interior identified over $39 billion in fraud-linked assets and thwarted more than 123 million online fraud attempts worldwide. The operation engaged 30 countries—including China and the UAE—alongside international agencies and 13 major technology and financial corporations. Joint enforcement measures led to more than 960 arrests, the freezing of 4,126 bank accounts, and raids on 29 fraud hubs.
Dubai parking operator Parkin Company PJSC has renewed its Parking Management Framework Agreement with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre for 10 years. Under the contract, Parkin will exclusively operate approximately 2,800 paid parking spaces across Jumeirah Lakes Towers, including 250 motorcycle bays. The agreement also includes plans to install solar power infrastructure to support both entities' sustainability targets.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
A UAE-led international operation thwarted over 123.71 million online fraud attempts and identified more than $39 billion in fraud-linked assets. The three-month crackdown involved law enforcement from 30 countries, including China, alongside international organisations and major private technology firms. The initiative led to the arrest of over 960 individuals, the blocking of 4,126 bank accounts, and raids on 29 fraud centres.
A UAE delegation led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology concluded participation in the China International Industry Fair 2026 in Shanghai. Officials met Chinese firms to explore partnerships in robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing under the Factory Forward UAE program.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi inaugurated Ras Al Khaimah's first business consultancy in Guangzhou on October 21, 2026. The consultancy serves as a permanent base to connect the emirate with Chinese businesses. The opening follows a cooperation agreement signed with Guangdong Province in November 2024.
A senior UAE delegation led by Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs Eng. Sharif Al Olama has concluded a five-day mission in China. Bilateral discussions in Shanghai explored joint investments in battery storage, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and smart electric vehicles. Delegates also inspected automated logistics operations at the Port of Shanghai's Yangshan Phase IV terminal.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
Israeli airline Arkia has halted ticket sales for flights to Marrakech, Morocco, until further notice following instructions from Israeli security authorities. The suspension comes only two months after the carrier resumed flights on the route after a three-year hiatus. Arkia is currently assessing alternatives, including operating services via commercial partners, while holding discussions with officials.
Finance & Investment
Dubai recorded 412 luxury real estate transactions exceeding $10 million during the first nine months of 2026, totaling $6.67 billion, according to Knight Frank. The deal volume marked a 15.4% increase compared to 357 transactions logged during the same period in 2025. Palm Jumeirah led the ultra-luxury segment, accounting for 31% of sales valued at $10 million or more in the third quarter.
Finance & Investment
Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, stated that no planned foreign direct investment projects have been cancelled in 2026 despite regional geopolitical tensions. The country remains committed to achieving its target of $65 billion in annual FDI inflows by 2031, supported by domestic infrastructure development and investor partnerships. HSBC estimates that the UAE's planned infrastructure project pipeline exceeds $190 billion in financing requirements.
Energy & Sustainability
Invest Hong Kong announced efforts to expand offshore yuan financing across Belt and Road markets during the Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2026 in Beijing. Hong Kong delegations have conducted roadshows in Gulf Cooperation Council countries to foster capital market ties and lower funding costs for infrastructure. The initiative targets clean energy, off-grid power grids, and energy storage, while encouraging mainland firms to expand via Hong Kong.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Flight cancellation / route change
Flights between Israel and Marrakech, Morocco
Official travel advisory
Yemen, including Socotra Island
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Jordanian airspace
Entry, visa and border restriction
Qatar entry ports
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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